Mz Story Bag: Kenyan Kiondo Sisal Market Bag

Kenyan Kiondo Sisal Market Bag - This is a traditional African woven bag found across the African continent. It's made from cellulosic fibers such as jute, or sisal depending on what's available to the indigenous craftsmen/women of that area.

For instance in Kenya, for the Kikuyu peoples, the Kiondo is both functional and ceremonial. Functionally the Kiondo is used to carry food harvested from the field and to store valuables. Ceremonially, the Kiondo is used as a gift bag and presented at celebratory functions such as weddings or upon the arrival of a new child.

Kiondo With Leather Handles & Brass Rivets

The Kiondo was historically packed with sweet potato, and millet, but today it can be any treats that are deemed suitable for the chosen occasion. I packed mine with the usual suspects as well as some new must haves you can read about below.

The Kiondo Woven Sisal Base

I always feel like going to the Farmers Market when I bring out my Kiondo sisal bag, it has that bohemian feel to it. It's got a decidedly ethnic feel to it, and you cannot help appreciate the craftsmanship involved in the making of one of these treasures. Seriously, research the history of this bag and you will fall in love with it as I have. It's a popular bag and I've even seen pictures of the first lady, Michelle Obama, carrying her Kiondo to market.

Clinique's Happy Perfume, Audi 8 Keys, Tiffany & Co SterlingTiffany 1837™ Cuff

Because a Kiondo bag is a classic must have for any woman's handbag wardrobe, I usually partner it with other mainstay classics like my Tiffany 1837™ sterling silver cuff. This is a heavy duty cuff that has a real presence on your wrist and because it is engraved with the Tiffany & Co logo, there's no doubt you're representing the brand. It's one of those forever pieces that will stay in your collection your entire life and be passed down to the next generation.

My perfume for the day is Cliniques Happy in a small spray (again I have the full-size at home). It's a subtle perfume with, as the website states, "A hint of citrus. A wealth of flowers and a mix of emotions." Happy is Cliniques best-selling women's fragrance with fresh, vibrant notes of grapefruit, bergamot, Hawaiian wedding flower, and spring mimosa. I like it for those sunny days that are perfectly temperate and that's what today was, a textbook Goldie Locks day i.e.; not too hot, not too cold, with a full dome of blue sky (it's been un-seasonally warm for a Northwest Fall, but no ones complaining).

Body Shop

Now Fall is initially a little dry as the cold takes out any humidity in the air. It's what makes all those browning leaves so delightfully brittle. I start feeling its effects in my cuticles and because of this, I've taken to carrying around a manicure kit. I picked this one up at The Body Shop a few years ago.

You've probably heard of The Body Shop and its amazing founder, the late Dame Anita Roddick. Miss Roddick was a tireless campaigner for Human Rights and ethical consumerism and she helped reshape the methodology of hyped marketing that historically surrounded cosmetics sales. I'd like to believe her legacy helped change a large portion of the cosmetics industry. Her Foundation for Human Rights is still very much intact and lobbies for justice. And even if The Body Shop is now owned by L'Oréal, the company continues to have a positive impact on its umbrella corporation owners and by respecting the tenants laid down by its original founder. If you want to find out more simply google Dame Anita Roddick or follow my links to either her foundation or Wikipedia.